Novak Djokovic Withdraws from US Open Due to Vaccination Status
In a move that has been anticipated for some time, Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has officially announced his withdrawal from the 2022 US Open. The decision stems from his unvaccinated status against COVID-19, which prevents him from entering the United States. Djokovic made the announcement via Twitter just hours before the tournament’s draw was set to take place.
Djokovic’s Statement and Future Aspirations
In his tweet, Djokovic expressed disappointment, stating, “Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open.” He extended his best wishes to fellow competitors and emphasized his commitment to maintaining his fitness and positive mindset while awaiting future opportunities to compete.
The US Open, which is the final Grand Slam tournament of the year, is scheduled to commence at Flushing Meadows on Monday. Djokovic’s absence marks a significant moment in the tournament’s history, as he is one of the sport’s most decorated players.
A Legacy of Excellence
At 35 years old, Djokovic boasts an impressive record of 21 major championships, placing him just one title behind Rafael Nadal for the all-time men’s record. His victories at the US Open came in 2011, 2015, and 2018, and he has also been a runner-up six times, including last year when he lost to Daniil Medvedev in the final. That match was particularly notable as it marked Djokovic’s attempt to achieve the first calendar-year Grand Slam in men’s tennis since 1969.
Vaccination Policies and Their Impact
Currently, foreign nationals who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 are barred from entering the United States. Djokovic has consistently stated that he will not receive the vaccine, even if it means missing out on significant tournaments. The U.S. Tennis Association has confirmed that it will adhere to government regulations regarding vaccination status for this year’s Open. While there is no vaccine mandate for players or their support teams, unvaccinated American players are still permitted to compete, and spectators are not required to wear masks.
Stacey Allaster, the tournament director for the US Open, expressed regret over Djokovic’s inability to participate, stating, “Novak is a great champion, and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 U.S. Open.” She added that they look forward to welcoming him back for the 2023 tournament.
Recent Tournament Absences
Djokovic’s withdrawal from the US Open follows a series of missed tournaments due to his vaccination status. Earlier this year, he was deported from Australia after a lengthy legal battle regarding his vaccination exemption, which resulted in him missing the Australian Open. In addition, he has skipped four major tournaments in North America in 2022, including events in Montreal and Cincinnati.
Despite these setbacks, Djokovic has continued to compete at other Grand Slam events. He reached the quarterfinals at the French Open, where he was defeated by Nadal, but triumphed at Wimbledon, claiming his seventh title there. Following his victory over Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon final, Djokovic expressed a desire to participate in the US Open, stating, “I would love to participate… but I’m not planning to get vaccinated.”
Hope for Future Participation
In a recent social media post, Djokovic conveyed optimism about potentially competing in the US Open, stating, “I am preparing as if I will be allowed to compete, while I await to hear if there is any room for me to travel to the US. Fingers crossed!” However, the reality of his situation has now set in, leading to his official withdrawal.
Current ATP Rankings and Other Notable Withdrawals
As of this week, Djokovic is ranked No. 6 in the ATP rankings, a position influenced by the absence of ranking points awarded at Wimbledon this year. His record of spending more weeks at No. 1 than any other player in ATP history remains a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to the sport.
Djokovic is not the only high-profile player missing from the US Open. Other notable absences include No. 2-ranked Alexander Zverev, the 2016 champion Angelique Kerber, 2019 French Open finalist Marketa Vondrousova, and players Gael Monfils and Reilly Opelka.
Conclusion
Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the US Open underscores the ongoing complexities surrounding vaccination policies in sports. As the tennis world prepares for the tournament, his absence will undoubtedly be felt, both by fans and fellow competitors. Djokovic’s legacy as one of the greatest players in tennis history remains intact, and the hope is that he will return to the court in future tournaments, including the 2023 US Open.
